John Jeff Wiliams Jr.

Deacon John Jeff Williams, lovingly known as "Johnny" in Lakeland and "Big John" in Glennville, was born on October 20, 1956, in Lakeland, Georgia, to the late John Jeff Williams Sr. and Mae Ola Davis Williams. From the very beginning, he carried a presence that made people feel safe, seen and cared for.

Educated in the Lanier County Public School System, John accepted Christ at an early age and walked faithfully with Him throughout his life. He first served as a devoted member of New Bryant Missionary Church in Lakeland. Later, during his years in Glennville, he joined Mt. Zion Outreach Ministries, where he served joyfully and wholeheartedly. Whether he was patrolling the church grounds with his dear friend, the late Deacon Artis Smith, proudly calling themselves "topflight security"-- or grilling for church gatherings, John gave his time and talents with a servant's heart. Of all his roles, none meant more to him than serving as a deacon.

After graduating high school, John enlisted in the United States Army and later continued his service with the Georgia Army National Guard, working with the Maneuver Area Training Equipment Sites (MATES). In 1979, while stationed at Fort Stewart, he met the love of his life, Mary. Their connection was instant and enduring. On November 27, 1982, they were united in marriage in a small, love-filled ceremony. Together, they built a beautiful life in Glennville and raised a family grounded in love, faith and laughter.

John was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He wore the titles of husband, daddy and papa with pride and tenderness. His children were his joy and his grandchildren lit up his world. He cherished every moment spent with family, whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company. After his military service, John began a long  and accomplished career as a semi-truck driver for Midtown Grain, officially retiring in 2022 after thirty dedicated years.

A true country boy at heart, John found peace in the simple joys of life; fishing, hunting and perfecting his craft as a grill master. If "Big John" was on the grill, everyone knew the food would be finger-licking good. His laughter, his stories and his unmistakable presence , made every gathering feel fuller. 

After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Deacon John answered the call to his eternal home on March 16, 2026. He transitioned at home, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength and unwavering faith. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Dell Williams; his parents, John "Jack" Jeff Williams Sr. and Mae Ola Davis Williams; his brother, Larry Williams; his sister, Tracylyn Williams Roberson; his father and mother in law, James "Buddy" A. Lavant and Marzie Dekle Scott Lavant; sisters in law, Gladys Scott Brown and Janie Mae Lavant Simpson; brothers in law, James Scott, Frank Scott, Larry Scott, Arthur Scott, Randolph Scott, Robert Lee Scott and James A. Lavant Jr.; nieces, Linda Lavant Jenks, Sandra Michelle Brown Ebanks and Nakia Scott; and nephews Harold Lee Brown and John "Will" Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Lori Marie Jenks, Renee Withers (Joseph), Nechelle "DeeDee" Cooks (Johnathan) and Sandy Dee King (Micah); his twin sons, John Akeem WIlliams and Jeff Rasheem Williams; and his grandchildren, Christopher Jenks, Kelsi Withers, Sydney WIthers, Zuri Withers, Zy'Aire Cooper, Ramiyah Cooper, Rasheem Cooper, Nicolas Armstrong, Denekicia Armstrong, Emanuel Gomez, Xavien Cook and Seth King.

He is also survived by his sisters, Alisa Hill (Daryl) and Brenda Bethune (Victor); his brothers, Greg Johnson (Misty) and Perry Johnson; nieces, Sheena Hill, Amanda Roberson, Kiandria Williams, Sydel Bacon, Amy Levant and Anita Wiggins; nephews, Dorminey McCrae, Michael Williams, Jason Hill, Roderick Bethune, James Roberson, Nigel Bacon, and Devin Scott; sisters in law, Evelyn Williams; brothers in law, Richard Lavant and Jesse Lavant; his Mt. Zion Outreach Ministries church family; his devoted cousins, Francis West and Shirley "Niecy" Williams, who stood by him throughout his illness; and his dear friends, Vondell Levant and Jerry Gilbert. He also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who lives were touched by his kindness. 

John lived a life rooted in faith, guided by love and marked by service. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him------a legacy of strenght, generosity and the quiet steady grace of a man who walked with God.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever cherished.